COBIT 2019 Product Family: Complete Guide

COBIT 2019 Product Family: A Comprehensive Guide

Why COBIT 2019 Product Family is Important

The COBIT 2019 Product Family is critical for IT governance and management professionals because it represents the latest evolution of the Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies framework. Understanding the product family is essential for several reasons:

• Comprehensive Coverage: The product family offers integrated solutions addressing governance, risk management, compliance, and IT service management across organizations.
• Career Advancement: Knowledge of COBIT 2019 products enhances career prospects in IT governance, audit, and compliance roles.
• Organizational Value: Implementation of COBIT 2019 products enables organizations to align IT with business objectives and manage risks effectively.
• Exam Success: Mastering the product family is essential for passing COBIT 2019 Foundation certification exams.

What is the COBIT 2019 Product Family?

The COBIT 2019 Product Family is a comprehensive collection of governance and management products designed to help organizations establish effective IT governance frameworks. It encompasses multiple integrated products that work together to address different aspects of IT governance.

Core Components of the COBIT 2019 Product Family

1. COBIT 2019 Foundation

The core product that establishes the fundamental principles and governance objectives. It provides:

• Five governance system and ecosystem principles
• 40 governance and management objectives
• A process-oriented approach to IT governance
• Integration of IT governance and management

2. COBIT 2019 Design and Implementation Guides

These guides assist organizations in designing and implementing COBIT 2019 within their specific contexts, including:

• Risk management guides
• Implementation guides for different industries
• Customization approaches for various organizational sizes

3. COBIT 2019 Process Reference Guide

Provides detailed descriptions of all 40 governance and management objectives, including:

• Process purpose and goals
• Key process activities
• Process roles and responsibilities
• Key metrics and KPIs

4. COBIT 2019 Toolkit

Practical resources for implementation, including:

• Maturity models
• Assessment tools
• Templates and checklists
• Case studies and best practices

5. COBIT 2019 Assessor Guide

Guidance for evaluating organizational capability and maturity levels against COBIT 2019 standards.

How the COBIT 2019 Product Family Works

Integrated Framework Structure

The COBIT 2019 Product Family operates as an integrated system where all products work together synergistically:

Governance System Principles: The foundation establishes five principles that guide the entire family:

• Meeting stakeholder needs
• Covering the enterprise end-to-end
• Applying a single integrated framework
• Enabling a holistic approach
• Separating governance from management

Objectives and Processes: The 40 objectives are divided into:

• Governance Objectives (EDM): Evaluate, Direct, and Monitor - typically 5 processes
• Management Objectives (APO, BAI, DSS, MEA): Organized in four domains covering alignment, building, service delivery, and monitoring

Practical Implementation Flow

1. Assessment Phase: Use assessment tools to evaluate current state against COBIT 2019 objectives
2. Design Phase: Apply design and implementation guides to customize COBIT for organizational context
3. Implementation Phase: Execute changes using the Process Reference Guide and toolkit resources
4. Monitoring Phase: Continuously monitor progress using defined metrics and KPIs
5. Continuous Improvement: Reassess and refine using the Assessor Guide

Key Characteristics of COBIT 2019 Products

1. Process-Oriented Approach

All products in the family organize governance and management activities around defined processes, making implementation clear and measurable.

2. Stakeholder Focus

Products emphasize meeting the needs of various stakeholders including executives, boards, IT leaders, and business managers.

3. Flexibility and Customization

Products provide guidance on tailoring COBIT implementation to different organizational contexts, sizes, and industries.

4. Integration with Other Frameworks

Products reference alignment with ITIL, ISO/IEC standards, and other governance frameworks, enabling multi-framework implementations.

5. Evidence-Based Assessment

The Assessor Guide and assessment tools provide structured approaches to measure current capability levels using objective evidence.

The Five COBIT 2019 Domains

1. EDM (Evaluate, Direct, Monitor)

Five governance objectives focused on the board and executive management level:

• EDM01: Ensured Governance Framework Setting and Maintenance
• EDM02: Ensured Benefits Delivery
• EDM03: Ensured Risk Optimization
• EDM04: Ensured Resource Optimization
• EDM05: Ensured Stakeholder Transparency

2. APO (Align, Plan, and Organize)

13 objectives covering strategic IT planning and alignment:

• APO01 through APO13 addressing planning, organization, IT governance structures, and capability management

3. BAI (Build, Acquire, and Implement)

10 objectives covering IT solutions and change management:

• BAI01 through BAI10 addressing system identification, IT asset management, and implementation

4. DSS (Deliver, Service, and Support)

6 objectives covering operational IT delivery:

• DSS01 through DSS06 addressing operations management, incident management, and continuity

5. MEA (Monitor, Evaluate, and Assess)

4 objectives covering monitoring and performance assessment:

• MEA01 through MEA04 addressing monitoring, compliance, and control effectiveness

How to Answer Exam Questions on COBIT 2019 Product Family

Understanding Question Types

Exam questions typically fall into these categories:

Type 1: Definition and Purpose Questions

Example: "What is the primary purpose of the COBIT 2019 Product Family?"

How to Answer:

• Focus on the comprehensive nature of the product family
• Emphasize integration of governance and management
• Highlight meeting stakeholder needs
• Mention the five principles as the foundation

Type 2: Component Identification Questions

Example: "Which product within COBIT 2019 provides detailed process descriptions including purpose, goals, and activities?"

How to Answer:

• Identify the specific product: Process Reference Guide
• Understand what each product covers
• Remember the distinct purpose of each component
• Know the progression from foundation to implementation

Type 3: Application and Implementation Questions

Example: "An organization wants to assess its current IT governance maturity. Which COBIT 2019 product should they primarily use?"

How to Answer:

• Consider the practical requirement (assessment)
• Match to the appropriate product (Assessor Guide and Toolkit)
• Think about the sequence of implementation
• Focus on real-world application scenarios

Type 4: Domain and Objective Questions

Example: "Which COBIT domain contains governance objectives focused on board and executive oversight?"

How to Answer:

• Remember EDM is the governance domain
• Understand the five EDM objectives
• Distinguish between governance (EDM) and management (APO, BAI, DSS, MEA)
• Know the purpose of each domain

Type 5: Scenario-Based Questions

Example: "A company needs to improve its IT service delivery and operational processes. Which products would help address this requirement?"

How to Answer:

• Analyze the scenario requirement (service delivery)
• Map to relevant domain (DSS)
• Identify applicable products (Process Reference Guide, Toolkit)
• Consider the implementation flow

Exam Tips: Answering Questions on COBIT 2019 Product Family

Tip 1: Memorize the Five Core Products

Focus on these five key products and understand their distinct purposes:

• COBIT 2019 Foundation - Core principles and objectives
• Design and Implementation Guides - Customization guidance
• Process Reference Guide - Detailed process information
• Toolkit - Practical implementation resources
• Assessor Guide - Assessment and maturity evaluation

Tip 2: Understand the Five Principles

The exam frequently tests understanding of the foundational principles. Create a mnemonic or visual to remember:

• Meeting stakeholder needs
• Covering the enterprise end-to-end
• Applying a single integrated framework
• Enabling a holistic approach
• Separating governance from management

Tip 3: Know the Domain Structure

Develop a clear mental model of the five domains:

EDM: Governance (Board/Executive Level) - 5 objectives
APO: Alignment and Planning - 13 objectives
BAI: Building and Implementation - 10 objectives
DSS: Service Delivery and Support - 6 objectives
MEA: Monitoring and Evaluation - 4 objectives

Total: 40 objectives across all domains

Tip 4: Distinguish Between Governance and Management

This is a critical concept tested frequently:

• Governance (EDM): Board and executive level oversight, strategic direction
• Management (APO, BAI, DSS, MEA): Day-to-day operations and execution

When answering questions, always consider whether the scenario relates to strategic oversight or operational execution.

Tip 5: Understand Product Sequencing

Questions may ask about the logical sequence of using COBIT products. Remember:

1. Start with Foundation - Understand principles and objectives
2. Apply Assessment Tools - Evaluate current state
3. Use Design Guides - Customize for organization
4. Implement using Toolkit - Practical resources and templates
5. Monitor and Assess - Use Assessor Guide for progress evaluation

Tip 6: Focus on Practical Application

Exam questions often present real-world scenarios. Practice translating organizational challenges into COBIT language:

• Poor IT alignment → Use APO objectives
• Security incidents → Use DSS and MEA objectives
• Inefficient change management → Use BAI objectives
• Lack of governance → Use EDM objectives
• Non-compliance with regulations → Use MEA objectives

Tip 7: Know Key Terminology

Understand these important terms frequently used in exam questions:

• Governance: Setting direction and oversight
• Management: Planning, building, and running operations
• Objective: Desired outcome of a governance or management process
• Process: Structured set of activities achieving an objective
• Stakeholder: Anyone affected by IT governance decisions
• Maturity: Capability level of current governance practices
• Assessment: Evaluation of current state against COBIT objectives

Tip 8: Practice with Example Questions

Work through these practice scenarios:

Scenario 1: "A CFO wants to ensure IT investments deliver expected business value. Which COBIT governance objective should be emphasized?"
Answer Analysis: EDM02 - Ensured Benefits Delivery (governance objective focused on benefits realization)

Scenario 2: "An IT manager needs detailed guidance on implementing a new security process. Which COBIT product provides the most detailed process descriptions?"
Answer Analysis: Process Reference Guide (provides detailed purpose, goals, activities, roles, and metrics)

Scenario 3: "A company wants to measure how well its IT governance compares to COBIT standards. What should they use?"
Answer Analysis: Assessor Guide and Toolkit (provides assessment methods and maturity models)

Tip 9: Recognize Key Phrases

When reading exam questions, watch for these key phrases:

• "Strategic oversight" → Think EDM
• "Day-to-day operations" → Think Management domains (APO, BAI, DSS, MEA)
• "Detailed process information" → Think Process Reference Guide
• "Implementation guidance" → Think Design and Implementation Guides or Toolkit
• "Current capability assessment" → Think Assessor Guide
• "Framework customization" → Think Design and Implementation Guides

Tip 10: Don't Confuse with Other Frameworks

Exam questions may test your ability to distinguish COBIT from related frameworks:

• COBIT 2019: Comprehensive IT governance and management framework
• ITIL: Focused on IT service management practices
• ISO/IEC 27001: Information security management systems
• ISO/IEC 38500: Corporate governance of IT (aligns with COBIT)

Remember that COBIT 2019 products are designed to integrate with these frameworks, not replace them.

Tip 11: Time Management Strategy

For exam success:

• Read carefully: Identify whether the question asks about governance or management
• Eliminate obviously wrong answers: Focus on products and domains that match the scenario
• Look for specific keywords: Match scenario descriptions to COBIT terminology
• Don't second-guess: Your first instinct based on understanding principles is usually correct

Tip 12: Create Study Aids

Develop these study tools for exam preparation:

• Domain Comparison Chart: Create a table showing each domain, number of objectives, and key focus
• Product Purpose Summary: One-page reference for each of the five core products
• Scenario Mapping: List common business problems and their COBIT solutions
• Objective Quick Reference: List all 40 objectives grouped by domain
• Glossary: Define key COBIT terms and phrases

Common Exam Question Patterns

Pattern 1: "Which statement best describes...?"

These test definitional knowledge. Answer by selecting the statement that most completely and accurately describes the concept.

Pattern 2: "Which product is most appropriate for...?"

These test matching capability to products. Understand each product's primary purpose and intended use.

Pattern 3: "An organization should use [Product X] to..."

These test practical application. Know what each product enables organizations to accomplish.

Pattern 4: "The COBIT 2019 Product Family includes..."

These test completeness of knowledge. Be able to list and describe all five core products.

Pattern 5: "Which of the following best explains the relationship between...?"

These test understanding of interconnections. Know how governance relates to management and how products work together.

Final Review Checklist

Before taking the exam, ensure you can confidently answer "yes" to each of these:

• ☐ I can name and explain the purpose of all five core COBIT 2019 products
• ☐ I understand the five governance system principles
• ☐ I can distinguish between governance (EDM) and management objectives
• ☐ I can name all five domains and know how many objectives each contains
• ☐ I can explain how COBIT products work together as an integrated family
• ☐ I understand the practical implementation sequence for COBIT products
• ☐ I can apply COBIT concepts to real-world organizational scenarios
• ☐ I know the difference between COBIT and other frameworks like ITIL
• ☐ I can answer questions about product selection for specific organizational needs
• ☐ I understand the difference between assessment, design, implementation, and monitoring phases

Conclusion

The COBIT 2019 Product Family represents a comprehensive, integrated approach to IT governance and management. Success on the exam requires understanding not just what each product is, but how they work together to help organizations achieve their governance objectives. Focus on understanding the foundational principles, the five core products, and how they apply to real-world business scenarios. With consistent study using these exam tips and strategies, you will be well-prepared to answer any question about the COBIT 2019 Product Family with confidence.